My little friend

Clung. Clunk. My feet are on the scale. Flashing numbers zoom across the screen. 97.. 100.. 99.. My chest tightens. Beep. Beep. I weigh 99.2 pounds. Under 100, I sigh of relief. I step over to the mirror. Look at those dark bags under your eyes, All those blemishes on your nose, A little voice chides in my head. No, you're wrong. I turn on the sink. Cold water splashes my face. I look up to find black smudges running down my cheeks. Suddenly irate, I reach for a towel. I wipe the lies off my face. A drop slips through my lips, and the taste of salt fills my mouth. I step back and stare at myself. My eyes stare back, with an eerie void. They say they are alone. You are not alone. You are not a mistake. I told my little visitor to pack his bags, but he won't leave.

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